Agenda item

It was explained that the Council has a duty, under the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, to submit integrated network maps of key walking and cycling routes that should be developed over 15 years, to Welsh Government.  The long list of routes (compiled following public consultation), consultation responses and maps were made available for group members.  The proposals will be prioritised as short/medium/long term, and will be considered by full Council on 15^th February and submitted by 28th February 2018. 

The maps will have to be reviewed every 3 years.  Once the maps are accepted, the Council should expect £175,000 to develop the design and planning of the proposals.  It was confirmed that some routes are already in existence, some need refurbishment and some are completely new. The audit scoring system was explained which defines the criteria for good routes. 

It was queried if routes that combine business and leisure could be prioritised to positively influence some of the aspirational leisure routes.  It was responded that this would be for elected members to decide and that the guidance was unclear about routes connecting to towns.

A member questioned the pedestrianisation in Abergavenny and referred to complaints received about where bus stops are situated.   It was explained that consideration of bus stops is key in the intention to remove traffic from Frogmore St.  A traffic survey was undertaken to look at re-routing that concluded that it is feasible but new bus stop locations would be required. As part of the survey a presentation was made to the Public Realm Group and the proposals were well received.   Morrisons would provide funding for an extra stop and it is proposed to provide a new stop on the A40 near the Cenotaph.   There is also a proposal to create a stop closer to the centre (King St./Lion St/ Market St./Morrisons).  Some progress has been made with Morrisons to use its land to create a better bus stop.  Work and discussion continues and more detail will follow.   The scheme is out to consultation at present and the safety audit is due.

It was further questioned when and where the temporary bus stops will be.  Where work had started, there was a lot of disruption and people were left behind to await the next hourly bus and assurances were sought that there will be clear publicity. 

Clarification was sought about the active travel route from the new Ty Mawr development to Gilwern Primary School and an update was provided that it has not been possible to construct a footpath by the road so it is proposed to create a path through an adjacent field.  The planning application has been submitted to the Brecon Beacons National Park and an ecology study completed as required. Although unconfirmed, funding may be found through some S106 monies.

An update was requested regarding a foot/cyclepath between Caldicot and Magor and potential funding.  Previous bids for the whole pavement were turned down.  Discussions are in progress as part of the M4 scheme but it is uncertain if it is for the whole or part of the route.  It was previously turned down because of insufficient footpath width.  This was raised with Welsh Government but unresolved in time for the bids to be submitted and more discussions are needed.  It was suggested that a strong response is required as it is not possible to travel the road at night and improvements can’t wait for the M4 relief road.

It was suggested and accepted that the plans for a footpath could integrate with Magor Station, Caldicot and Severn Tunnel Junction, and access to a rail link at Newhouse and a strategic approach was required.  A meeting with Severnside Area Committee and members of the public has been arranged to identify the all the problems and explore the best approach, design a scheme/s and look for funding.  Particular concern was expressed about heavy lorries on the route and the routes provided by SatNav.

Public engagement events on the construction of a community centre adjacent to the Magor station site are in progress and the maps will be added to the displays.